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About Special Olympics Competitions, Results & Schedules

The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sport training and athletic competition in more than 30 Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disability. Year-round training and competitions offer a way to improve fitness, learn new skills, make friends, develop confidence and practice sportsmanship.

Special Olympics combines intense competition at all levels of age and ability with close attention to rules and protocol.

Competition with a Difference

Special Olympics athletes range from gifted, world-class competitors to average athletes to those with limited physical ability. It’s a fundamental rule at Special Olympics that athletes in competitions are matched up according to their ability and age. This “divisioning” process makes every competition fair, competitive and exciting for the athletes and the fans in the stands.

Founding Principles

Special Olympics was founded in 1968 on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Consistent training helps develop sport skills. Competition among those of equal abilities tests skills, measures progress and encourages personal growth.

Results: Beyond Gold

At every awards ceremony, in addition to the traditional medals for first, second and third places, athletes finishing from fourth to last place are presented a suitable place ribbon with appropriate ceremony.

Competitions Depend on Volunteers

As much as possible, Special Olympics local competitions are run by and involve local volunteers. This makes Special Olympics a community activity that allows more people with intellectual disabilities to take part, but also to create opportunities for volunteers to get to know and appreciate people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics provides detailed, in-depth coaching guides for its volunteer coaches. The coaches are a powerful and influential presence in the sporting lives of the athletes.

At many competitions, volunteer referees are there to ensure by-the-book attention to the rules.

Made Possible by The Annenberg Foundation

The Special Olympics movement is profoundly grateful for the support of the Annenberg Foundation which has underwritten the production of the coaches’ guides and resources, supporting our global goals for coaches’ excellence.